SOAD's Serj Tankian Goes Solo

Serj Tankian is what you would call a Renaissance Man.
He is the charismatic and insightful singer/songwriter of the highly innovative and ingenious band System Of A Down, a band known for their unique sound and highly political overtones.
He is a poet. During his time with System, currently on hiatus, he released a book of his poems titled Cool Gardens. He is a film composer, having written the score for the film Bug. Something he hopes to do even more of in the future.
In 2001, he started his own record label, Serjical Strike, which has released a number of albums from an eclectic variety of genres. The most recent SS project is his own solo record, Elect The Dead, which he produced, and is set for an October release.
Serj is also a highly regarded activist. In addition to forming the organization Axis Of Justice, with Tom Morello (formerly of AudioSlave), a foundation dedicated to raising awareness for many social and political causes, he petitions tirelessly for recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Turkish government. Those efforts were most recently documented in the film Screamers. His Armenian heritage is something that is very important to him, and prevalent in his music, politics and everyday life.
Argie Plakas: Your Armenian background seems to have a great influence on you. Correct?Serj Tankian: Well, I grew up listening to my father sing traditional Armenian music. And though he couldn't make a living out of it, it was always his passion. In fact, I am looking at helping him put a record together in Armenian that I want to release myself through my label, Serjical Strike. Another influence, is the question of justice regarding the Armenian genocide. And I also still love the language, I'm fluent, I both read and write in Armenian.

"I kind of wrote every little bit of the record from A-Z, played most of the instruments."

What does the title of your record Elect the Dead mean?
The title is open to interpretation, like all the lyrics, which makes it more powerful and perfect to internalize it's meaning. But when I've asked friends what it means to them, I've heard some really cool interpretations. One was, we don't many great leaders now, so we should go look at the ones from the past, who have passed away. But the best interpretation that I heard was, that the victims of the epitome of civilization should be the ones deciding who are next leader should be; those who have been unjustly led to die. But honestly, to me it has nothing to do with elections or leaders, it's about electing yourself. To really be responsible, and using the wisdom beyond the physical and material world, beyond history itself. To tap into the spiritual world, and to not only pick the right people to represent us, but to represent ourselves in the right way. If we did that, I think we would be in a much better place.
Is it true you played every instrument on this record, except for drums?
Yes. The way that I did the record was, I started playing the piano, then guitar with rough vocals. And then I filled everything on that and basically programmed all the drums, wrote all the drum parts with electronic samples, and did all the guitar, bass, strings, keyboards, vocals, and finished everything. And then I got a couple drummer friends to come in and replace my drums. So, I kind of wrote every little bit of the record from A-Z, played most of the instruments, and then got drummers to play the drums, and finally cellists and violinists to play a couple other things.
What was the recording process like for you?
Very organic. When I was inspired I would go in and work on songs. Some of the songs are from way back. And a lot of them were written last year. And most of it was recorded last fall.
How is this solo record different musically wise, than System of a Down?
Musically I think it's a lot more layered. It's a lot thicker. I don't want to give the wrong impression of what it is or isn't, it's hard to describe music. But there is a lot of layers and stuff. There's a lot of piano and strings. A lot of things that we couldn't do with System. And lyrically it's alittle more intimate. Even when I was writing by myself with System, I would have to consider everyone else's feelings about what I'm writing. But in this case, it's a solo record, so there's a certain extra vulnerability, the extra connection, more of a direct connection.

"The album's title is open to interpretation."

Do you see yourself back with System of a Down someday?
The possibility is there. We're all friends. We are taking an indefinite hiatus. We're all doing our own thing, exploring, and having new adventures, which is very important to artists. If we all feel we have something to say together, in the near future or far future, System will be there for us.
The video for The Unthinking Majority was recently posted on your website, www.serjtankian.com. Will you be doing videos for any other songs as well?
We will be doing MTV style videos for single songs. But we're also doing indie videos for every song on the record. I have a bunch of amazing indie director friends that are already working on it. Some of them are almost done. And some of them will be done in the next month or so. To me, the best thing about this record, besides being kind of like a direct result of very focused vision of my artistic efforts, is the fact that, in every way, we're trying to multiply the artistic factor of record out there. We are trying to get really creative with regard to publicity and promotion. We're also having every journalist that's interviewing write a little piece about a sentence that I wrote. So, we're compiling a poetry book of all the journalists that are interviewing for this record. And at the end of October, we're either going to choose the best ones and put them on the website, or do a PDF of the whole thing to download for free.
Well, I'd like to throw my hat into the ring
Yeah, you have to, you have to.
I'm assuming there is going to be a tour involved with this?
Yes, absolutely. I've put together a back-up band. We are going to be rehearsing soon. I think we're going to be doing a promotional tour first, around the time of the record release. And playing some radio shows at the end of the year. And we'll probably do a proper tour and festivals next year.
You've mentioned to me and to other journalists as well, that you would like to write a book someday Is that still something you'd like to add to your resume?
I think so. But I would need enough time away from music to focus and do it. But I don't really like repeating myself a lot. And I like doing different things. I've done a poetry book, and I have thousands of unreleased poems, maybe I'll put them out someday. For now I'd like try and do more.
What would you like to impart if you were to write a book?
Well, one of my hobbies, since music stopped becoming my hobby and became my work, is foreign policy. So, I'd like to do my own foreign policy analysis of the world. And the relationship of nations, and try to encourage a spiritual undertone to replace political ambivalence.

"If we all feel we have something to say together, System will be there for us."

Speaking of politics, what are your thoughts on the upcoming political election and the candidates involved?
(laughs) I've got lots of thoughts! Well, I saw the YouTube debates with the Democrats, and I thought that was really cool.
Any particular candidate that you really like?
Well, there's pros and cons about a number of candidates. On a personal level, I think there's a number of candidates that have the potentiality, experience, and the know how to be able to do a decent job. My only fear is that we've gone so much toward extremism in American politics today that it's going to take an extreme person to get us out of it. So, on a personal level if I were to pick one candidate to best represent where I am politically, it would probably be a very leftist candidate, probably Dennis Kucinich.
Serj, you are obviously an extremely creative person. Do you think that type of creativity is easy for everyone to tap into?
I think creativity comes from the Universe. It doesn't come from us. It comes from collective consciousness. At best we're skilled presenters. So, it's out there for all of us to be able to feed on and to be able to present. But some people can be more focused on it and develop the tools and skills to be able to be presenters of that, and some people don't. And that's ok. We all have our own vision and own little part of this whole establishment of life.
I would imagine you're probably really looking forward to this juncture in your life?
Yes, it's really exciting. I've never done anything like this before, so it's new, it's exploratory. It's fun!
Interview by Argie Plakas
Photos by Greg WatermanUltimate-Guitar.Com 2007

SERJ TANKIAN IS AWESOME!!! he is a MAJOR influence on me. he & System r the ones who got me into metal & inspired me 2 be in a band. Serj is incredible...i want 2 get the new album. 1 more thing...The Unthinking Majority is an AMAZING SONG!

me and my old band covered quite a bit of their songs when we started off, SOAD is just truly amazing. their songwriting, the riffs, everything. ive gotta say i love his voice, its very distinct and different, aand im lookin forward to this album. =]

Are you sure you aren't mistaking his voice for system's guitarist. Daron has the annoying nasally voice which sucks. But I find Serj's voice is very versatile, he has great vibrato and a really massive range.

He's almost like a modern day John Lennon. lol. But he's got his hands in so much stuff, it's pretty cool. I don't idolize the dude or anything, but I definitely have a lot of respect for him!
I dont know if I'd bother checking out some of his solo stuff... I mean I like the stuff he's done with System and other various artist, but I have a feeling that it wouldn't really like the solo stuff. But you know what, I'll probably still check it out to see what I think.

Serj sucks without SOAD. Why don't they just comeback make another album instead of this solo s***. System of a down took a break in the height of their career after back to back Mezmerize and Hypnotize

He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet.

Jumpinthephyre wrote:
Metal_Rich wrote:
Serj is such a great guy, I'd love to meet him. I'll always love and remember System's brilliant sound, whether they regroup or not.
Brilliant? System? I don't think it's very good grammer to have those 2 words in the same sentence. i didn't even know it was possible.:\

I dont think its good grammar to spell grammar with an 'E'.
And System is brilliant. They're just a bunch of really talented musicians that write creative and Unique songs.

Jumpinthephyre wrote:
Brilliant? System? I don't think it's very good grammer to have those 2 words in the same sentence. i didn't even know it was possible.:\

Do you mean GRAMMAR by any chance. Learn YOUR grammar before correcting someone else's.
But, on topic, I don't really care for Serj's solo stuff, but if it does horribly, then he might go back to System.

Im sorry but Serj needs to stay with Soad.
Whats really stupid is he goes off on a side project, and usually when people do side projects, they are different from their other bands.
I don't know why he would go off and make an album that sounds so similar to SOAD. He could of just stayed with them and made another album. Serj is awesome, but what was he thinking.

Something-Cool4 wrote:
Serj sucks without SOAD. Why don't they just comeback make another album instead of this solo s***. System of a down took a break in the height of their career after back to back Mezmerize and Hypnotize

Serj is awesome but his new solo work is not much different than what he did with SOAD.
basically its just going to be a new system CD but without any influence from the rest of the band.
either way im gonna buy his cd. as said, serj is awesome.

hahha..daron's scream things.
well, the thing is, being that he's the singer from SOAD, it's gonna be kinda hard for him to sound any different in his solo project, you know?
it's like with stone sour, they sound alot like slipknot (to a certain extent)....either way, as said, serj is an extremely creative guy and i admire him. i'm gonna get that cd.

PhizzJunkii wrote:
hahha..daron's scream things.
well, the thing is, being that he's the singer from SOAD, it's gonna be kinda hard for him to sound any different in his solo project, you know?
it's like with stone sour, they sound alot like slipknot (to a certain extent)....either way, as said, serj is an extremely creative guy and i admire him. i'm gonna get that cd.

SOAD were one of the bands that got me into rock in general. I saw the video for The Unhtinking Majority the other day, its a pretty cool song but I don't think I'd want to hear an entire album of songs like that. Might check it out though

musicology wrote:
He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet.

serj is the man, no doubt, but just like every other band in the history of music, SOAD's rhythym section is extremely overlooked and underheard, they are definitely my favorite part of SOAD, anybody heard of any music projects SOAD's bassist and/or drummer are undertaking?

Anti Vicarious wrote:
PhizzJunkii wrote:
hahha..daron's scream things.
well, the thing is, being that he's the singer from SOAD, it's gonna be kinda hard for him to sound any different in his solo project, you know?
it's like with stone sour, they sound alot like slipknot (to a certain extent)....either way, as said, serj is an extremely creative guy and i admire him. i'm gonna get that cd.
You obviously don't know Slipknot and Stone Sour too well...

(S)he Said To A Certain Extent, And The Do, Mainly Because They Have The Same Singer/Guitarist.

if he so against george bush's political veiws why does he live in america?

so everyone who doesnt agree with the administration's politics should be deported?
he obviously likes ameria, i dont know why people find ti so hard to define the difference between hating a government and hating a country
as for the music, serj is infact the don
fantastic singer aswell, one of the great rock singers under rated in my opinion and when u compare him to like some singers, like Billy Joe is an awful singer and most rock singers cant hold a note like serj tankian

musicology wrote:
He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet

what the hell is the matter with you, like someone else said above, compare him to any of the "huge" rock singers of today, they dont got shit on Serj, He can actually hold a note

TooFast wrote:
musicology wrote:
He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet.

[quote]TooFast wrote:
musicology wrote:
He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet.
Most singers take care of their voices.....screaming doesnt neccessarily mean they are thrashing their vocal cords...there are ways to train your voice for that type of music....how do you think james hetfield (lead singer of metallica) can still even talk after almost 26 years of their kick A*$ metal.

scooby snacks wrote:
i respect serj and i am going to buy this album, but wat i dont get is if he so against george bush's political veiws why does he live in america?

'Coz he's an American? I'm Australian and I live in Australia AND I don't like John Howard. But my disdain for his political beliefs aren't enough to make me move away from my country of origin. All I can do is hope that he's voted out in the next election. That would be the same with Serj.
I can't believe the Serj-bashing here. Serj does not equal SOAD. Serj is the lead singer of SOAD and therefore has creative input into their music, but this will be closer to the music that he wants to make. He records everything on piano FIRST, so it's not going to be the heaviest thing you've ever heard. Whether or not you like Serj and/or SOAD, you have to admit that the guy's an artist. And Mesmerise/Hypnotise found SOAD at the peak of their artistic careers (so far). I think that's enough proof to say that this album will be at least worth the money you pay for it.
And Serj can sing. Anyone who says that he can't hasn't listened hard enough. As for his screaming, have you ever tried to do that? Chances are you sound nowhere near as good as that.

RememberMyName wrote:
scooby snacks wrote:
i respect serj and i am going to buy this album, but wat i dont get is if he so against george bush's political veiws why does he live in america?
'Coz he's an American? I'm Australian and I live in Australia AND I don't like John Howard. But my disdain for his political beliefs aren't enough to make me move away from my country of origin. All I can do is hope that he's voted out in the next election. That would be the same with Serj.
I can't believe the Serj-bashing here. Serj does not equal SOAD. Serj is the lead singer of SOAD and therefore has creative input into their music, but this will be closer to the music that he wants to make. He records everything on piano FIRST, so it's not going to be the heaviest thing you've ever heard. Whether or not you like Serj and/or SOAD, you have to admit that the guy's an artist. And Mesmerise/Hypnotise found SOAD at the peak of their artistic careers (so far). I think that's enough proof to say that this album will be at least worth the money you pay for it.
And Serj can sing. Anyone who says that he can't hasn't listened hard enough. As for his screaming, have you ever tried to do that? Chances are you sound nowhere near as good as that.

Amen dude. you're totally right. I couldn't have put it better myself. Serj is awesome, and although his record won't sound exactly like SOAD, it's going to have many of the musical and escpecially lyrical aspects of it. And to anyone who says that Serj is a crappy singer, I got one finger for you

systemofadownfan73 needs to come down. I like SOAD, I just said he has an annoying voice. And other people aren't going to like bands you like so don't comeback with dumb comments. It just makes you look even more stupid.

His voice is unique and distinctive and he found a way to make it work. Cheers to him. That's the difference between a pop star and a musical artist. Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Axl Rose...great artists, not necessarily great voices.

blame it on me wrote:
is soad gonna break up cause that would suck someone reply with the answer

If you read the entire article (which a true fan would), you would realize that he said SOAD is fully able to come back, but it's up to the members. They're all on indefinite hiatus, but SOAD will always have the potential to arise again.

Serj is not a great singer but for what he sings to it go greats. Like lets face it, serj is no anthony kiedies or manyerd but he does good for what he sings. And why is he against the american system. Did not the sytsem get him rich

rebreh wrote:
Serj is not a great singer but for what he sings to it go greats. Like lets face it, serj is no anthony kiedies or manyerd but he does good for what he sings. And why is he against the american system. Did not the sytsem get him rich

Not everyone is so self-absorbed that they automatically fall in love with a system that makes them rich. Your statement actually says more about you than it does about him. Also, it could be that his political views were formulated before "the system made him rich." In fact, I don't think any system made anyone rich. He became rich through his talent and creativity. The system probably took more from him than he gets to keep for himself. One other thing. It could be that he is exploiting the angst of America's youth and lower and middle classes by pandering to them (gasp)! The American Way.

Never liked System.... I heard a song from this on the radio yesterday..... Don't like this either. I was hoping it would be different from system, it basically the same he still sings (if thats what you want to call it) in that ridicules manner.

immortal_stone wrote:
i dont mind system of a down, although i think there shining moment was with the 'toxicity' album after that i think they went a bit drug ****ed,obviously not serj though that guys pretty talented.

musicology wrote:
He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet.

washing his career down the toilet? he started serjical strike records, was part of system of a down, a highly successful band, and now hes making a solo album that most people here are probably gonna buy... how does that make his career go down the toilet? id love to know.

musicology wrote:
He's a singer? How? All he's doing is destroying his vocal chords with his "singing". There is nothing that dictates talent, just a abuse of the body is already washing his career right down the toilet.

Aaaactuallly..Serj has opera training therefore he knows what he's doing when he's yelling like he does, thats one reason his voice is so unique and sticks out in today's music.

love the unthinking majority, brings me back to the days when serj was the creative genious in SOAD (SOAD, Toxicity and Steal this album). Old school System... Hell Yeah!!! If this album is anything like Systems self titled it will be the best thing since canned bread w00t!

yea thats basically my view... heres how i see it... i LOVED system... whether they reunite one day or not, they had a tremendous run, and touched scores of ppl. but i never really knew much about serj until the split. honestly after reading his wiki page and bio... i feel i should stop waiting for scars on broadway, and keep my focus on mrTankian... the two songs hes put out already ALONE make me want to read his poetry book! hes just an extremely talented and intellegent man, and even though he may never shiver my spine again with tankian/malakian harmonies... im content with what im being given.
people really just need to stop comparing it to system as if he was trying to resume the band alone... thats my only issue....

i need to stop posting things... but ok, u all are wasting the space here... 85% of u are saying either
-u hate serj
-u hated system
-u think hes an idiot for doing this and he needs to get back with system
to reply to the first thing... if u hate him, his voice, or whatever it is about him that makes it a NO about u buying ths album, why are u here???
2, if u hated system, why the heck do u even know his name? and again, why are u HERE???
3, they ALL wantd to do side projects, and personally, im stoked to here serj w/o daron & shavo. its hard to be urself in a band sometimes bc u hav to consider 3 other ppl when ur writing... i dont hav so much of an issue if ur posting that u dont support him in this chapter of his life, but leave system out of the conversation PLEASE
kBye

He is the charismatic and insightful singer/songwriter of the highly innovative and ingenious band System Of A Down, a band known for their unique sound and highly political overtones.

That isn't correct.. while Serj tries to be very involved with politics, he has stated before that SoaD never wrote that many political songs, about 2 an album, give or take, but it wasn't like every other song (or more) was about politics. I guess it's an easy mistake if you take into account where the band's name came from and everything.. still, that's why the band does interviews.. so people know whether or not their assumptions are correct, and learn something about the band..

serjYankovic wrote:
i need to stop posting things... but ok, u all are wasting the space here... 85% of u are saying either
-u hate serj
-u hated system
-u think hes an idiot for doing this and he needs to get back with system
to reply to the first thing... if u hate him, his voice, or whatever it is about him that makes it a NO about u buying ths album, why are u here???
2, if u hated system, why the heck do u even know his name? and again, why are u HERE???
3, they ALL wantd to do side projects, and personally, im stoked to here serj w/o daron & shavo. its hard to be urself in a band sometimes bc u hav to consider 3 other ppl when ur writing... i dont hav so much of an issue if ur posting that u dont support him in this chapter of his life, but leave system out of the conversation PLEASE
kBye

NorCalLos wrote:
rebreh wrote:
Serj is not a great singer but for what he sings to it go greats. Like lets face it, serj is no anthony kiedies or manyerd but he does good for what he sings. And why is he against the american system. Did not the sytsem get him rich
Not everyone is so self-absorbed that they automatically fall in love with a system that makes them rich. Your statement actually says more about you than it does about him. Also, it could be that his political views were formulated before "the system made him rich." In fact, I don't think any system made anyone rich. He became rich through his talent and creativity. The system probably took more from him than he gets to keep for himself. One other thing. It could be that he is exploiting the angst of America's youth and lower and middle classes by pandering to them (gasp)! The American Way.

You see only in this system could a entertainer make more then people who actually do something important. You see in other countries entertainment is not even paid

strong_wizard wrote:
political overtones "overdone". political bands need to get a clue tbh.

Yeah, they might be overdone by bands like Rage against the Machine, but System and Serj always make you think to figure out it's political, like, "Holy Mountain"=Armenian Genocide? Serj is most likely one of the most intelligent musicians today and his lyrics show that. I've already heard two of the songs and it sounds like what system was before Daron freaked out and took over the songwriting. Bravo Serj, Bravo. WE WILL FIGHT THE HEATHENS! (SP?)

He uses the Armenian Genocide subject to make more people talk about himself and lyrics. I am sure, like other people, he has no knowledge about what did Armenians do in Anatolia and killed how many Turkish people in 1910's. I think, writing about a touchy subject with RACISM and using it to popularity IS NOT THE JUSTICE!

I am sure, like other people, he knows what he is talking about. Serj Tankian is was born in Lebanon, and was raised in an Armenian school system. Serj is in Axis of Justice, which fights against the horrible things humanity does to one another. We talk about Serj not because we like the controversy surrounding him, but for the fact that he is a great musician and his lyrics are thought provoking. Most likely, you wouldn't even know Holy Mountain was about the Armenian Genocide if i hadn't posted it. His lyrics might be a bit on the racist side, but words have no power by themselves. If I asked somone to go screw themselves, they have the power to, or to not do that. The definition of Genocide is "the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group." That is exactly what happened in Germany, and exactly what happened to the Armenian people. So if anyone can honestly look at the Nazi regime, and no racist, hateful, or vulgar words come to mind, send me an email on here, and i'll tell you why your a liar.

Firstly, my band used to play SOAD songs and i used to sing their songs, so i certainly know what lyrics about.
Secondly, if you would have a wide viewpoint, you'd see the backround of the genocide assertions in the today's political world and notice the effects of it to Turkish Government and people in relationships with European Union. French Government have acceptted a law, which punishs people who refuses the Armenian Genocide. And do you have any idea how many Turkish peole live in France? And did you know, the Turkish authors who write positive about the genocide, become suddenly "One of the Best Authors Ever" and nominee to the Nobel Prize! And did you know, whenever this discussions calm down in public opinion, suddenly the most known Armenian author in Turkey killed by anymous. Do you see the connection between these events and discussion about the genocide, now? If you see it, write it to me. But if you did not understand the issue, then do not call me liar!
I did not wrote these to tell you there is no genocide and start an argument, i did write these things because you all get used to look at the issue from only the one side.

bilgehanengin wrote:
Firstly, my band used to play SOAD songs and i used to sing their songs, so i certainly know what lyrics about.
Secondly, if you would have a wide viewpoint, you'd see the backround of the genocide assertions in the today's political world and notice the effects of it to Turkish Government and people in relationships with European Union. French Government have acceptted a law, which punishs people who refuses the Armenian Genocide. And do you have any idea how many Turkish peole live in France? And did you know, the Turkish authors who write positive about the genocide, become suddenly "One of the Best Authors Ever" and nominee to the Nobel Prize! And did you know, whenever this discussions calm down in public opinion, suddenly the most known Armenian author in Turkey killed by anymous. Do you see the connection between these events and discussion about the genocide, now? If you see it, write it to me. But if you did not understand the issue, then do not call me liar!
I did not wrote these to tell you there is no genocide and start an argument, i did write these things because you all get used to look at the issue from only the one side.

Firstly, i didn't call you a liar. Re-read what i wrote. I understand the effects of genocide in the societies involved. I also see about the idea of genocide being "over" yet. I'm not trying to start an argument, but i'm just stating my opinion. It's my opinion, and you don't have to accept it, just as i'm listening to yours. My opinion was that the person above me, had no idea what he was talking about, but you put forth a valid point that is well defended, i'm not going to trash somthing that is intelligent.

He just rocks and I wish he is in SOAD.. i love their albums!!!!! (Have all of em)
They are the guyz who introduced me to metal and i thank them!!!!!
But sadly they have all of their tabs in Drop D or half step down.. Hoped it was Standard tuning!!!